Jamini Roy's 1930's Alpana on Cloth

Jamini Roy, who was inspired by folk traditions created an Alpana or a floral motif that was considered to be sacred painting in Bengal because it was done on special occasions. The alpana which is usually done with hands and rice paint on the floor was done with tempera on cloth instead.

Roy used abstraction, rejected the typical western style of painting with folk line and color. He invented his own style which was inspired by primitivism and with stronger colors, simplification, and pattern.

Jamini Roy (1887 - 1972)

Untitled (Alpana)

Circa 1930s

Tempera on cloth pasted on board

37 x 32 in

Estimate: 18,00,000 - 22,00,000 INR

Exhibited: Carved Contours, New Delhi: Dhoomimal Gallery, 29 January - 10 March 2016
                Jamini Roy Exhibition, New Delhi: Dhoomimal Gallery, 5 - 28 April 2016

Published: Jamini Roy, New Delhi: Dhoomimal Gallery, 2016, p. 34 (illustrated)

National Art Treasure - Non-exportable